On a day the BJP, whose support is crucial for passage of the bill in the Lok Sabha, was grappling with the problem of unhappiness among its MPs, a Congress MP also openly expressed views similar to those being voiced by the opponents of the measure.
Trouble continued over the measure resulting in disruption of the Lok Sabha for the fourth consecutive day.
In a bid to break the standoff in the House, Leader of the House and Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee met with leaders of various parties including Mulayam Singh Yadav, Lalu Prasad and Sharad Yadav, the prominent opponents, and those of allies like Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banjerjee, NCP chief Sharad Pawar and DMK leader T R Baalu.
"Some sort of assurance was sought on the progress of the Constitution Amendment Bill (Women's Bill). Before bringing it to the Lok Sabha, government will complete the process of consultations with all concerned," Mukherjee said in a statement in the Lok Sabha after the meeting.
"I think, this assurance would assuage the feelings of all members who would allow financial business in the remaining period," he said, when the House reassembled at 2 PM after two adjournments